Growth & Investment Network

Placemaking efforts in northern Michigan will get a boost from Placemaking Summits May 21 in Traverse City and Petoskey. The Summits grew out of The Grand Vision Growth and Investment Network's discussion about regional economic strategies and development opportunities.

"Based on these discussions, and the success of last year's Placemaking Summit, the demand for an event that focuses on implementation techniques through the integration of planning and economic development strategies was overwhelming," said Michael Woods, a regional planner at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, convener of the Growth and Investment Network and host of the Placemaking Summits.

The Grand Vision touts "Unique and vibrant communities that strengthen the local economy." Placemaking takes this principle to the action phase.

Woods says there's an integration of places and strategies with regard to economic development. He says capitalizing on or improving existing assets is a basic tenet of Placemaking which goes a long way toward moving your economic development strategy forward.

One such placemaking strategy includes Streetscaping. This involves strategies relating to traffic calming, improving landscaping and building fronts, and overall safety and aesthetics of the functioning commercial and/or a downtown corridor. If streetscapes are safe and inviting to pedestrians, people are more likely to walk which can help reduce automobile traffic, improve public health, stimulate local economic activity, and attract residents and visitors to a community.

"Hopefully those who have attended either Placemaking Summit will take away a wide range of economic development strategies and have a better idea of how to implement and tailor these strategies for their individual communities," said Woods.

The Growth and Investment Network typically meets the second Monday of each month at the Council of Governments Conference Room at the Michigan Works! service center in Traverse City. For more information, please contact Michael Woods at 231-929-5056.

Energy Network:   

Saturday, June 9

Wind Energy Tour

Come learn about local wind energy production as you view three important installations in Traverse City.

This event is hosted by the Michigan Regional Energy Demonstration Center at Northwestern Michigan College.

When:  June 9, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Where: Meet at Aero Park Laboratory

Cost for this event is $19.

Thursday, June 14

A Community Leadership Summit: Energy Efficiency and Local Economic Opportunity will be held at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. Join us for breakfast and some important, new information about the strong, positive effects of a comprehensive, community-based, energy efficiency campaign: More jobs, investment, and prosperity. For more information, contact Brian Beauchamp at 734-904-9915 or brian@mlui.org.   

Food & Farming Network:   

Tuesday, June 19

Food & Farming Network Meeting

2:30 p.m. Tentative location is the Conservation District conference room (pending confirmation that it is available).

Housing Solutions Network:   

Thursday, June 14

Housing Partnerships Workshop  Energy Optimization: Learn ways to maximize the energy efficiencies in your rental units and save money on utilities.

8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Traverse Association of Realtors, 852 South Garfield, Traverse City.

Natural Resources Network:

Thursday, May 24

Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., The Nature Center.

Wednesday, June 20

Natural Resources Network Meeting

9:00 a.m., Steelcase Room, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Transportation Network:  

Thursday, May 24

Transit Subcommittee Meeting

4:00 p.m., BATA Transfer Center on Hall Street in Traverse City.

Tuesday, June 5

Transportation Network Meeting 

3:30 p.m., NWMCOG offices, 600 E. Front St., Traverse City

Second floor conference room.